Pete & Christine’s News August 2018

Aug 8, 2018

Peace be with you ….
August 2018

Jesus said, “Peace be with you. The Father has sent me. So now I am sending you.” John 20:21(NIrV)

Thanks for taking time to read this latest update and we extend an especially warm welcome to new readers who have recently joined the mailing list. We are reliant on God and we value your support as you pray for us and the work of Count Everyone In, giving thanks too for the generosity of those who support the work financially.

Did you read the words at the top of this letter? Now imagine those set to music and being sung in a round – a round in 6 parts – in our celebrations at the Keswick Convention. It was amazing! Across the UK, from Plymouth to Inverness and from Cardiff to Great Yarmouth, those who were there will be raising their voices and remembering our memory verse for the week. It was set to music by Janet Roe, one of our musicians. Who would have believed it possible?!!

Please join us in praising God for an amazing week at Keswick, in the beautiful Lake District, with wonderful weather, a great team that worked, served and laughed a lot, and the Holy Spirit blessing the worship, teaching and fellowship. Individuals, families and carers were receptive to the message on the Convention’s theme of ‘SENT – serving God’s mission’ which was taught in a variety of ways through episodes from the book of Acts. It was a relief to Christine, when teaching on the Unknown God in Acts 17, to have the approval of a Convention trustee, a lecturer at a well-known college of theology and whose specialist subject is Acts! Go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xam_GZFq_F4 and you should find the Wednesday evening celebration and, about 36 minutes into the recording, Pete interviewed some of our guests and we all led a song from the main stage.

Here’s a summary of other events last month:

CCPAS relaunch:

No longer does it have the cumbersome title of The Churches’ Child Protection and Advisory Service. Instead, it will be known by its new name of Thirtyone:eight – see Proverbs 31:8 to find out why safeguarding is of paramount importance to churches and organisations such as CEI. This was one of our infrequent trips to London and it was well worthwhile, such a privilege to be present and especially to hear such an inspiring address by Krish Kandiah of Home for Good.

Fenland Community Church, March

Our annual visit to March in Cambridgeshire was such a joy. We support our friends Ed, Marilyn and Rosy by taking part in the Sunday morning service. Everyone joined in acting out the Bible story of the healing of the Centurion’s Servant and we helped people to understand that, just like this important Roman commander, we don’t need to see God in order to trust Him.

Caldicot Male Voice Choir, Monmouthshire

There is nothing quite like a Welsh male voice choir for stirring the emotions. On 14th July Caldicot Methodist Church hosted Caldicot Male Voice Choir and we were treated to a programme of traditional and more modern songs full of rich harmonies and incredible diversity in volume and tone. Gareth Edwards (piano) and daughter Catrin (clarinet) added variety to the evening with their duets. What is more, all funds raised were in support of Count Everyone In! Thank you to the performers and to the Methodist Church.

Diary dates for August:

Friday 3rd

Travel to the Royal Cornwall Showground, Wadebridge and set up for CreationFest

Saturday 4th

Various volunteer meetings and a training session for our brand new team

We get keys to our new home: 34 Enborne Road,
Newbury RG14 6AH (for use only after this date)

Saturday 18th

Mike and Emily’s wedding in Welwyn Garden City – Pete is preaching

Tuesday 21st

Filming for Methodist ‘Belonging’ conference, Newcastle-under-Lyme

Thursday 23rd

Travel to Westpoint Showground, Exeter and set up for celebrations

Friday 24th

9:30-10:45 am CEI Celebration

Saturday 25th

9:30-10:45 am Celebration; 7:00-9:00 pm Celebration

Sunday 26th

10:00-12:15 CEI Celebration

Tuesday 28th- Thursday 30th

Family time

Friends with Count Everyone In

Last autumn, in response to requests from a number of churches and groups, we launched in a low-key way a ‘Friends’ scheme. The intention is to offer support, advice and prayer for those seeking external support for their ministry amongst people with learning disabilities. ‘Friends’ status is available principally to churches and groups but also to individuals. In no way is it intended to replace or compete with affiliations or partnerships with other organisations. There is no set fee for becoming a Friend but we would ask for a financial contribution either monthly or annually. There is no minimum amount but it seems appropriate that we ask applicants to consider this prayerfully and with regard to the fact that this is totally a faith mission and ministry. Do get in touch if you are interested.

Know and Grow Training

Please look at the dates in the ‘looking ahead’ box to find out what we shall be doing, where and when. Book in with us (£15 per person) or pass details to those who might be interested in developing ministry with adults with learning disabilities and making their local church more accessible. If there is nothing suitable, let’s discuss putting on an additional day that can be opened up to others.

Prayer points

Pray for our time at CreationFest as this is a new venture for them and for us. May it attract those for whom our celebrations are intended. May it be a blessing to everyone involved.

Thanks for praying about our new home. Pray that we shall find places for everything and that we shall find them when we need them. We shall have been with our good friends in Newbury for 12 weeks and we are grateful for their generosity in letting us use their home as our own. In fact, they will probably wonder what to do with all the space once we have moved out!

Westpoint isn’t long now and there is a lot to do. Please pray that we give it the time and attention it needs and that God will richly bless this event and our involvement in it for the 3rd consecutive year.

Give thanks for financial provision and pray please for future planning. We could already use additional workers in a variety of ways.